Still.



A. A. ASHWORTII.

STILL.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 2. ISIS. 1,300,548.. Patented A p1. 15,1919,

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

A. A. Asuwomm STILL.

APPLlcMxoN FILED MARA. Isls.

Patented Apr. 15, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

-mmmlm A. 'A. ASHWOHTH.

SULL.

APPLICATION mw MAR.2.191B.

l ,$300,548. v Patented Apr. 15, 1919.

4 SHEETSw-SHEET 4.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUR ALAN ASHWORTH, 0F COFFEYVILLE, KANSAS.

STILL.

Application filed March 2, 1918.

To all whom, it may oom/wn lle it known that I, ARTHUR ALAN ASH- wou'ru,a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at Coifeyville, 1n thecounty of Montgomery and State of Kansas, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Stills, of which the following is aspecification.

My invention relates to apparatus, adapt` ed to distil or crack heavyoils, while not necessarily restricted to this use.

An important object of the invention is to provide means for rotatingthe body of oil within a stationary tube, for providing a continuousannular coating of Oil upon the inner surface ofthe tube, whereby thetube may be heated to u high temperature, without liability of the samebeing injured.

A further object of the invention is to provide means to rotate the bodyof oil, to throw the same outwardly by centrifugal force, to forni theannular coating of the tube and at the same time serving as effectivescraping means to remove all particles of carbon Which may tend todeposit upon the interior of the tube.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the abovementioned character, which is continuous in operation, the body of oilfeeding longitudinally through the tube, together with the distillate.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings formin a part of this specification and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

Figure 1 is a horizontal sectional View taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 5,parts being shown in elevation,

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken on line 2 2 ofFig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a similar view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, v

Fig. 4 is a similar view taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1, y y

Fig. 6 is an end elevation of the distilling tube Fig. 7 is a transversesectional view through the same, and

Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation of the combmed agitating andscraping means, parte in seetlon.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 115, 19.19.

Serial No. 220,024.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown apreferred embodiment of my invention, the nulneral 10 designates thecasing of a furnace, as a whole. This casing is provided withlongitudinal partitions 11 and 12, serving to provide longitudinalchambers 13, 14 and 15, as shown. The chamber 13 is provided with alateral eX- tension 16, into which projects the outlet end of an oilburner 17, of any Well known or preferred construction. Connected withthe burner 17 is an oil supply pipe 18 and a steam supply pipe 19, asshown. The flame and products of combustion from this burner dischargeinto one end of the chamber 13, at n point preferably near the lower endof an inclined longitudinal Hoor or bottom 20, shown more clearly inFig. 2. The inclined floor or bottom 2O extends upwardly toward theopposite end of the chamber 13 and is adapted to conduct the products ofcombustion or heated gases through a transverse opening 21, leading intoone end of the chamber 14. The function of the inclined floor or bottom20 is to provide means whereby the heated gases or products ofcombustion `.vill act uniformly upon the heating tube. to be described,throughout its entire length. The products of combustion, at the maximumtemperature, are introduced near the lower end of the floor or bottom 20and are thus removed from close proximity to the tube, but as thesegases travel longitudinally through the chamber 13, and become slightlylowered in temperature, they approach the tube, by travelin up theinclined floor or bottom 20. As a ove stated, the opening 21 leads intoone end of the chamber 14, at the upper end of a ioor or bottom 22. Atthe lower end of this floor or bottom, the partition 12 has an. outletopening 23, leading into the chamber 15, at the upper end of a floor orbottom 24, as shown. At its lower end, the chamber 15 has an outletopening`25, leading into a stack 26, as shown.

be numeral 27 designates a stationar main tube, referably horizontallyarranged and extending longitudinally through the upper portion of thechamber 13, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2. This tube is spaced aslight distance from the to 28 of the chamber 13 and is therefore a ated to be completely surrounded by the eated gases or products ofcombustion. Extending longitudinally throu h the main tube 27 is apreferably tubular s aft 29, arranged in @encontrie relation thereto. Atthe left end, in Fig. 2, the tubular shaft 29 receives a plug 30, whichis rigidly' secured therein, and provided with a reduced cylindricalextension 3l, rotatable within a cylindrical recess or pocket 32, formedin a head 33. This head is secured to a coacting annular head 34,rigidly attached to the tube 27 by any suitable means. The head 33 has agas-tight union with the tube 27. It is thus apparent that this end ofthe tubular shaft 29 is supported in a manner so that it is free torotate. At the o posite end of the tube 27 is a head 35, rigid y securedto an annular head, 36, fixed to the tube 27 The head 35 forms agastight union with the tube 27. The head 35 is equipped with a stuffingbox 37 through which extends a driving shaft 38 having a pulley7 39rigidly secured thereto. This pulley may be rotated by any suitablemeans. The outer end of the shaft 38 is journaled within a bearing 40,which is secured to an upright 41. The inner end of the shaft 38 isprovided with an enlarged head 42, projecting into the tubular shaft 29,and rigidly cured thereto by any suitable means. Thisl head serves todrive the tubular shaft. The tubular shaft 29 is rotated in thedirection of the arrows, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6.

As more clearly shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the tubular shaft 29 carriesradial rails or bars 43, secured to curved bars 44. The bars 44 conformto the curvature of the tubular shaft 29, Contact therewith, and areclamped to the tubular shaft by diagonal bolts 45. passing throughopenings in the bars 44 and the tube 29, as shown. The tubnla r shaft 29and radial rails or bars 43 form a portion of combined agitating andscraping apparatus. The numeral 46 designates scraping cleinents, as awhole. and each scrapii'ig element embodies a pair of blades 47, whichare radially dis osed with respect to the wall of the tube 2 and atsubstantially a right angle thereto. The outer faces 48 of the blades 47are machined to lit the curvature of the tube 27, and provide scrapingor cutting edges 49. Disposed at the opposite ends of the blades 47 aretransverse bridges 50, preferably cast integral therewith. These bridgesare provided centrally thereof with radial openings or slots 51, toreceive the radial rails or bars 43. Attention is called to the factthat the openings or slots 51 are slightly larger than the radial bars43, and thereby permit of the restricted movement of the scrapingelements with respect thereto, so that these scrapin elements mayreadily conform to any slight irregularity which may be present in theWall of the tube 27. As more clearly shown in Figs. 2 and `8, thescrspin elements 46 are arranged in end. to en re ation, and contactwith each At each end of the radial rails 43, are transverse pins 52,extending through openings therein, and arranged to contact with the endscraping elements, thereby preventing longitudinal displacement of thescraping elements. As the two sets of scrapingI elements are bodilyrotated they are thrown outwardly into proper contact with the tube 27by centrifugal force.

is more clearly shown in Figs. l, 3, f1 and 5, preheating tubes 53 and54 extend longitudinally within the chambers 14 and 15 re spectively. Atthe right end of the prehcating tube 54 (see Fig. 4) is an oil supplypipe 55, connected therewith by means of a coupling 56. The pipe 55leads to a pump (not shown). At the opposite end of the preheating tube54 (see Fig. l.) is a transverse pipe 57, connected therewith by acoupling 58. The pipe 57 is connected with the corrcspoinling end of thepreheating tube 53 by a coupling 58. The opposite end of the incheatingtube 53 has connection with a transverse pipe 59. through the medium ofa coupling 60. The pipe 59 lun a cut off valve 61 connected therein, assl'iown. The pipe 59, as more clearly shown in Fig. 2. passes through anopening 60 in the head 35, and discharges into the tube 27, to feed theheavy oil into the same.

Arranged near the opposite end of the tube 27 are 'vertical closed tanks6l and 62. The tank 62 has connection with a pipe 63, dischargingtherein. This pipe 63 (see Fig. 6) passes through an opening 64 formedin 'the head 33.` and discharges into the tube 27 at a point near andspaced from the wall of the tube. The opening 64 is also ai rangedbeneath the center of the tube 27 but spaced a substantial distanceabove the lowerniost portion thereof. The location of the opening 64determines the maximum level of the oil within the tube, when thecombined agitating and scraping means is inactive, and also determinesthe thickness of the annular coverin of oil, formed upon the innersurface of t e tube 27, When the combined scraping and agitating meansis active. The location of the opening 64 is considered important. Thehead 33 is also provided with an opening 65, leading into the tube 27,at the lowermost portion thereof. The opening G5 receives a drain pipe66, equipped with a cut off valve 67.

At its upper end the tank 62 has connection with an outlet pipe 68, forthe escape of the products of distillation, and this pipe leads to asuitable condenser (not shown). At its lower end the tank 62 hasconnection with a pipe 69 having a cut off Valve 70 conv CII hasa outeti valve 75, connected therein. A. pressure gage To is connected withthe tank 61, as shown.

The operation of' the apparatus isy as follows:

The heavy oils` to be distilled or cracked, or both, are ted through'the pipe 5.5-, from the pump, and passes through the'preheating tubes 54and 53, Iand discharges into the tree end of the tube 27, at the rightend thereof, in Fig. Q. Under Working' conditions, l preferably maintainthe pressure in the tube Q7 at approximately 80`to 90pounds to thesquare inch. The oil burner 17 is now operatin `and the heatedg ases orproducts of com ustion discharging into the chamber 13. Then enteringthe chamber 13. these products ot' combustion or heated gases have ahigh temperature and the burner is preferably operated so that the tubeQT is heated and maintained at a temperature of R00 to S50 F.. therebysubjecting the oils therein to :aibstautially the same temperature.Vhile thus beingheated, the combined sraping and agitatiug meansincluding the sciv-iping elements (il. are rotating in the direction oithe arrow and preferably at a rate ot T5 revolutions per minute, Whilethis speed may be varied as found advantageous. lt` is however essentialto rotate the coinbined scraping and agitating means at a suitably highspeed. to cause the oil Within the tube 27 to be thrown outwardly bycentrifugal torce and form an annular covering :"or the entire innersurface oi the tube 27. This is highly important as it preventsoverheating o portions of the tube. and the torniation ot carbondeposits. The scraping means. ifi thrown ont by ientrifugal force andiliroperly contacts with the inner side of the tube "RT, therel 3removing all particles of deposited carbon. This deposited carbon, whenremoved, is more or less pulverizedand be olncs mixed with the heavyoils, or residue, ceinitained within thc tube 27. The product-1 oitdistillation and the residue discharge together through the pipe 63. Theprod uets of distillation descend through the ta al: 62 and pass throughthe pi e 68 to the 1 ondenser while the residue is col ectedwitliin thetank 62. lt is thus apparent that the entire mass Within the pipe 27,travels longitudinally thereof toward the discharge tank 69, and theextent of this travel is rontrolled by controlling the feed of' the oilthrough the pipe 55. It is thus apparent that the profess ofdistillation or cracking may be carried on continuously Without toppingthe apparatus to remove the residue or f arbon deposit, as the carbon deosit, in a finely divided or pulverized condition, is held suspended inthe residue, and dislanges through the pipe 63, as above stated.

When' a sutil-inrit amount of the residue has arcumulated within thetank 62, the valve is" opened, and such residue being under pressurewithin the tank (52, to Wit,` 8O to 90 'pounds to the square inc-h, isforced into the tank Gif, which is at atmospheric pressure. itfer thisloperation, the valve 70is closed and the valve 71 may be opened. thusallowing the residue to par'ssby` gna nity or the like, to the residuetank. li it should be nocessa-ry to exert pressure upon the upperportion ot the mass Within the tank G1. to torce the saine therethrough,pressure may be obtained by opening the valve 75.

Tt is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown anddescribed is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and thatvarious changes in the shape, size, andarrangement o l: parts may beresorted to without. departing from the spirit of the invention or thescope oiE the subjoi ned claims.

Having thus described my invention. I t laiin l. In apparatus` oi' thecharacterdescribed. a beating chamber, a stationary tube extendinglongitudinallyv therein. members ronnected with the opposite ends of thetube with one member provided with an outlet: openin yarranged near andspaced radially from tie inner surface of the tube for deining thethickness of the annular coating of oil within the tube, mea-ns forintroducing oil or the like into the opposite end portion of the tube,and rotatable means disposed Within the stationary tube for rotating theoil at a suitable speed to cause the saine to more outwardly bycentrifugal torct` and form the annular coating within the tube.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a heating chamber, astationary tube extending longitudinally therein. members connected withthe opposite ends of the tube with one member provided with an outletopening arranged near and spaced radially from the inner surface of thetube for defining the thickness of an annular coating of oil or the likeWithin the tube, means for introducing oil or the like into the oppositeendportion ofthe tube, combined agitating and scraping elements disposedWithin the tube and adapted to impart a rotary motion to the oil, andmeans to rotate said elements' at a suitable speed to cause the oil tomove outwardly by centrifugal force and form the annular coating.

3. In apparatus of the character described, a stationary tube, means forsurrounding the tube with a heating medium, means for supplying oil intooneend portion of the tube, a head connected With the oppo-` site endportion of the tube and having an outlet opening arranged near andspaced radially from the side portion of the tube for a greater distanceand spaced from the bottom portion of the tube, means for receivingmaterial passing through the outlet opening, combined scraping andagittmg means arranged Within the tube and adapted t0 impart a rotarymovement to the oil, and means to rotate the combined scraping andagitating means toward the upper portion of the outlet opening and at asuiiiciently high speed to form an annular coating of the oil within thetube.

4. In apparatus of the character described, an approximately horizontalheating tube, means to feed oil into one end portion thereof, means toheat the tube, a rotary combined scraping and agitating device arrangedin the tube and adapted to be acted upon by centrifugal force to moveoutwardly in contact with the inner wall of the tube, means to rotatethe device so that it revolves the oil at a suitable speed to form anannular coating ot the same in the tube, and outlet means for the oilnear the other end of the tube serving to define the thickness of theannular coating.

5. In apparatus of the character described, a relatively stationarytube, means to supply oil into the tube. means to rotate the oil so thatit forms an annular coating within the tube. means for heating the tube,and means permanently open during the operation of the apparatus forwithdrawing the residue and distillate from the tube at a point withinthe annular coating, said withdrawing means being arranged inwardly ofand spaced radially from the inner surface of the stationary tube todefine the thickness of the coating of oil within said stationary tube.

6. In apparatus of the character described, a relatively stationarytube, means to heat the tube, means to supply oil into one end portionof the tube, combined agitating and scraping means disposed within thetube, means to rotate the combined agitating and scraping means at aspeed to cause the oil to form an annular coating within the tube, andmeans for withdrawing the residue and distillate from the opposite endportion of the tube at a point within the annular coating, saidwithdrawing means being arranged inwardly of and spaced from the innersurface of the stationary tube to define the thickness of the coating ofoil within the stationary tube.

7 In apparatus of the character described, a relatively stationary tubehaving a substantial length, heads connected with the opposite ends ofthe tube, means for supplying a heating medium to the exterior oi thetube, a valve controlled oil feeding pi e leading into one end of thetube, an out et pipe passing through the head at the opposite end of thetube and arranged inwardly of and near and spaced radially from theperiphery of the tube for defining the thickness of the coating of oilwithin the tube, said outlet pipe remaining Iuumauently open during theoperation of the apparatus, a receiving apparatus connected with theoutlet pipe, and a combined agitating and scraping device extendinglongitudinally Within the tube and adapted to be rotated therein, saiddevice being adapted to impart a rotary movement to the oil to form anannular coating \vithin the tube.

8. In apparatus of the character described. a relatively stationarysubstantially horizontal tube having a substantial length, closing meansconnected with the opposite ends of the tube, a valve controlled oilfeeding pipe leading into one end of the tube. an outlet pipe passingthrough the closing means at the opposite end of the tube and arrangedinwardly of and near and spaced radially from the inner surface of thetube for defining the thickness of the coating of oil within the tube,said outlet pipe remaining permanently open during the operation of theapparatus, apparatus connected with the outlet pipe and adapted toseparate the gaseous and liquid products passing through the outletpipe, a rotatable agitating dev1ce extendin longitudinally within thetube, said device bein adapted to impart a rotary motion to t e oil toform an annular covering within the tube, and means to heat the tube.

9. In apparatus of the character described, a heating tube, means tofeed oil or the like into the tube, means to heat the tube, a rotaryagitating device arranged in the tube, means to rotate the device sothat it revolves the oil at a suitable speed to form an annular coatinof the same in the tube, and outlet means or the oil serving to definethe thickness of the annular coating.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

ARTHUR ALAN ASHWORTH.

Witnesses N. C. IRVINE, L. H. JAGKMAN.

Copies o! this patent may be obtained for uve cents each, by lddressingthe Gommissioner et Patents, Washington, D. U.

